You all amaze me, you truly do. Thank you so much to everyone who is still reading this! Your reviews brought me pure joy! In usual me fashion, this chapter has been written in the late hours of the evening, and remains unbeta'd. I feel I owe it to you all to upload as soon as I have written the last chapter!
Also: For those of you who have not yet done so, feel free to start reading from the beginning once more! I have updated most chapters, and edited a few minor details to tighten the story up a little more. (Also, because I felt the need to update the writing style, as it has changed throughout the years!)
It was only a few hours later, when they began to pack down the camp. Thranduil had managed to get a few hours of sleep, he had awoken to the sound of quiet murmuring. Around the camp, most of the Patrol was busy trying to occupy their minds with different tasks. In fact, only three people seemed to be asleep- Estel, who was softly snoring, Thandir (who was looking a little better, much to Thranduil's surprise) and Elrohir. Elladan was sat between his brothers, carefully repairing a tear in his cloak by the light of the fire. Beside him, his pack- as well as the packs of his brothers- were already prepared for their departure.
Thranduil climbed to his feet, scanning the area for Beridhren. The Patrol Leader was sitting a little way away, in deep conversation with an Elf Thranduil did not recognise. Almost as if he felt the King's gaze, Beridhren looked over at him. Without waiting to be invited, the King approached the pair.
"My Lord, this is Melien- it seems Celegon was concerned by our lack of contact. Melien was sent out to find us- And to bring urgent news, it would seem."
"Let us not wast time- what news do you bring us, Melien?" Thranduil asked, his voice calm and steady.
"My Lord- there was an incident at the Palace. An attempt on the Prince's life." He explained. Thranduil felt his blood run cold. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"Is my son alright?"
"Lord Legolas is alive." The answer was not the one Thranduil wished to hear.
"Is he alright?" He asked again, his voice hard.
"The Healers believe he will live. He was poisoned several days ago- the Elf responsible was caught at the scene. He remains imprisoned, awaiting your return."
Thranduil felt relief and dread rush over him at once. My Son has been injured. Someone has tried to kill my Son.
Suddenly, Thranduil was sick of this "swap". He stood, scanning the camp around him.
"We leave here when the Sun begins to rise. If we move quickly, with no delays or pause we shall be home by midday." Thranduil turned to the Patrol Leader, who nodded in agreement.
"Do not worry, My Lord- we will get you home to your Son before the the day is done."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
With a sigh, Legolas sat down on the edge of his bed. Despite the protests of the Healers, the Prince had decided to return to his Duties in an attempt to continue with some of the paperwork he had not yet completed. This in itself had led him to exhaustion- but it was the presence of two certain Elves that was driving him to insanity. While he knew his dear friends meant well, several hours of constant worry and hovering from Celegon and Beliel had put the Prince on nerves edge.
Do you feel well, Legolas?
Are you in need of pain relief, My Lord?
Are you feeling dizzy?
"Can I bring you some tea?
"Would you like me to fetch your lunch?"
"Perhaps I should do that for you, Legolas."
"My Prince, let me do that! You must rest."
Every few minutes, it seemed they were asking him another question. While he loved them dearly, he could not take much more. As soon as he had finished supper, Legolas had fled to the refuge of his room, savouring the quiet within. He closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax.
The moment of quiet was rudely interrupted, however, when the door opened. Legolas looked up, groaning slightly.
Beliel and Celegon were there again, hovering over him like mother hens. Beliel was already moving around the room- closing the shutters, adjusting the pillows and lighting candles- while Celegon chose to focus his attention on the Prince.
"Would you like some assistance changing, My Prince?" The Advisor asked, already pulling open the door to Legolas' closet.
"I think I can manage, Celegon- even with one arm." He replied, fighting to keep the frustration from his voice. Celegon seemed to hardly hear him, choosing to lay out the sleeping clothes he had found on the bed.
"Do you need me to fetch you some tea from the kitchen?" Beliel asked, as she placed the candle beside the Prince.
"All I need is for the pair of you to leave me in peace! Ai, Valar! I am not your Elfling- If you would leave me alone for just a few minutes, perhaps I could find a moment to think! Honestly, can neither of you find something better to do with your time than badger me?" He exclaimed. Rubbing his eyes with his hand.
A few seconds past, before Legolas realised he had snapped. He looked up once more, seeing the pair share a glance of concern. He felt an urge to apologise.
"Beliel, Celegon… I-"
"If you feel you can manage alone, then we shall retire for the night." Beliel cut him off, her voice quiet. "Sleep well, Legolas."
Legolas felt a wave of guilt as the Elleth bowed her head, leaving the room. He turned to Celegon, who merely raised an eyebrow.
"I shall return in the morning to see how you feel. If you need anything during the night, do not hesitate to call for me." The Advisor bowed his head, exiting before the Prince could respond.
Legolas let out a groan. Excellent. Now I have upsetHe thought to himself. I will apologise to them first thing tomorrow morning. He decided, reaching for his sleep tunic.
Several minutes of fighting with it later, Legolas decided it would be far easier to remain in his current tunic. He flung the sleep tunic (now inside out and seemingly missing a button) onto the floor, before allowing himself to fall back against the pillows.
Valar, I hope Adar is alright. He thought to himself, before allowing sleep to take him.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Celegon made his way down the hall, striding to catch up with Beliel.
"Do you think he is well enough to be out of the Healing Hall? Surely one more night would be best for him." He suggested as he fell into step beside her.
"If you wish to be the one to drag him there, so be it- I look forward to attending your funeral." She replied, a small smirk on her face. Celegon let out a laugh.
"I worry about him- He is not usually one to raise his voice. He does not have his Adar's temper." Beliel sighed.
"He is merely tired. Once he has rested, I am sure he will be back to normal." Celegorn assured her. "I-"
The sound of hurried footsteps caught his attention. He looked up, just in time to see a Guard turn the corner.
"My Lord Celegon!" He called out, hurrying to them.
"What is it?" Beliel asked, before her husband could speak.
"There has been an incident in the Dungeon. The Prisoner- the assassin- he is gone."
I know, it's a bit of a filler. But hey! Thranduil is nearly home, and Legolas is on the mend! Nothing else can go wrong- right? Oh, wait- is that a cliffy? oops.